12 easy picnic food recipe ideas to enjoy outdoors

Fresh, fast and healthy, this pesto pasta salad is bursting with the goodness of kumara, eggs and sun-dried tomato pesto.

I don’t think we ever went on a family picnic without a bacon and egg pie wrapped in a tea towel to keep it vaguely warm until it was devoured. Mum, like her mother, is adamant that this pie should contain only the essentials – none of this tomato, peas, onion or cheese nonsense. It’s still a family favourite and slabs of this get demolished in seconds whenever Mum makes it.

This delightfully dense banana bread is a lunchbox favourite for a reason. It’s easy to make, tastes delicious and is perfect for a lunchbox treat.

The tried and true pairing of beetroot, cheese and walnut come together splendidly in this beautiful vegetarian tart recipe. Served with a fresh rocket salad, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner

These stuffed focaccia sandwiches are the perfect snacks to pack up and take adventuring. Fill with your fave ingredients like spinach, olives, feta and sun-dried tomatoes. Try for your next picnic! Photography by Jani Shepherd/Gatherum Collectif

Perfect for an after school snack or a tasty lunchbox treat – these cheese and vegemite embrace classic Aussie flavours in a delicious baked bread.

Dinner, lunch, make-ahead breakfast or picnic hamper filler – these meatloaf cups are perfect for any occasion! This recipe sees bacon, beef mince and egg come together to create a tasty mini munch

When cutting slices, use a sharp knife and start in the middle of the long side of the pan. Cut each side into even-sized strips of choice. Rotate pan, find the mid-point of the short side and repeat. Note

Potato salad is always a staple at big dinners because it goes brilliantly with any meat or seafood and everyone loves it!

If you’re looking for a simple and tasty finger food to that will please a crowd, look no further than these salmon quichettes. They are delicious hot or cold and a also make a perfect after school snack.

These scones really pack a punch with rocket and a double dose of cheese – feta in the scones and cheddar on the top. Slathered in butter, a warm scone is true comfort food, right?